Improvement of the Scintillation-Irregularity Model in WBMOD
Abstract
The descriptive model of scintillation-producing irregularities in the F layer contained in Program WBMOD has been improved, along with other aspects of the code. Improvements include use of magnetic local time for modeling high-latitude boundaries, correction of a subtle error in calculating the scan velocity of the radio line of sight, simplification of the orbit calculation, and implementation of an irregularity drift routine based on a recently published model of ionospheric convention at high latitudes. In preparation for future improvements in WBMOD, analysis and interpretation of the Wideband Satellite data base from Poke Flat, Alaska was continued. The utility of the phase-gradient ratio (i.e., the ratio of rms phase difference for interferometer baselines perpendicular and parallel to known sheetlike irregularities) was investigated for determining irregularity axial ratios and was found to be of potential use. The ratio varies strongly, however, with the phase spectral index, p. Thus, quantitative use of the phase-gradient ratio depends upon prior evaluation of the geophysical and geometrical behavior of p.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA131536
Entities
People
- Edward J. Fremouw
- James A. Secan